New year tourist surge in store for UK
The UK is set to cater for a record number of tourists in 2018.
Tourism agency VisitBritain confirmed visitor numbers on these shores are forecast to reach a huge 41.7 million — up 2 million from last year.
This will result in the UK making £26.9 billion, with spending by visitors also increasing by 6.8% from 2017.
With an impressive coastline spanning over 7,000 miles, renowned National Parks and idyllic countryside, it is no wonder visitors are flocking to our shores.
VisitBritain Director Patricia Yates said: “Tourism is one of the UK’s most valuable export industries. It is also a fiercely competitive global industry and these results not only demonstrate Britain’s continued ability to compete internationally for visitors, they are testament to tourism’s importance as a driver of economic growth.”
In 2017, the UK’s most regular visitors were from Europe, with 19 million visits occurring during January and September. Five million visits were made from other areas including Australia and Asia.
Ola Maria, 32, a visitor from Canada, said: “The biggest draw for me is the gorgeous scenery and landscapes. I’m fascinated by the historic architecture, the likes of which we don’t have in Canada. It’s beautiful, I was captivated by it. I could pour over photos of it endlessly.”
